woza lapha
The phrase "come here" in Zulu is woza lapha.
woza lapha is a command used to tell someone to move toward the speaker's current location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: woza, which means "come" and lapha, which means "here".
Which one should you use?
You should use wozani lapha when addressing more than one person. In very casual or blunt speech, the verb can be shortened to za lapha.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can use the more polite or formal form sicela uze lapha to say "please come here". Conversely, za lapha is used in very informal or blunt contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To tell more than one person to come here, use the form wozani lapha instead of woza lapha. To express the request more politely or formally, use sicela uze lapha, which literally means "we request that you come here".
Did you know?
- In some contexts, woza can be used figuratively in music or poetry to invite a spirit or an ancestral presence to arrive.
- In many Zulu-speaking contexts, the physical gesture of a hand motion often accompanies woza, and a single finger pointed toward the ground can be considered quite rude compared to an open palm.
- The formal version sicela uze lapha uses a 'we' subject, implying that the speaker is representing a collective or showing extreme humility by speaking on behalf of a group.
Examples in context
- Woza lapha manje.Come here now.
- Woza lapha, sithandwa sami.Come here, my darling.
- Nceda woza lapha.Please come here.
Example conversation
Bandile is calling Nomalusa to look at something in the garden.
- BandileNomalusa, woza lapha!Nomalusa, come here!
- NomalusaNgiza, Bandile.I am coming, Bandile.
- BandileBuka le ntsika enhle.Look at this beautiful flower.
- NomalusaIyahambisa imizwa!It is moving!
